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- Destinations
- Europe
- Czech Republic
- Prague
- Old Town Square (Staromstské Námestí)
Old Town Square (Staromstské Námestí)
The heart of the old city and its marketplace since the 11th
century, the Old Town Square is Prague's prettiest and most lively
square with historical facades and a cobbled surface. It still
hosts a variety of markets, especially the whimsical yearly
Christmas market. In the centre is the odd Art Nouveau monument to
the religious reformer, Jan Hus, a national symbol for the Czech
people. The Old Town Hall features an ornate Gothic astronomical
clock showing three different times, in front of which throngs of
people gather on the hour to watch the brief mechanical performance
of apostles, Christ, a skeleton and a rooster. Tourists can climb
the tower for a behind the scenes look at the mechanics as well as
a view of the city from the top. On opposite sides of the square
are two magnificent churches: Prague's greatest Baroque building,
St Nicholas, with its distinctly visible dome, and the more
striking Týn Church, a fabulous Gothic structure with its twin
spires a noticeable feature on the Prague skyline.
Information & Facts
Address
Admission
Town Hall tour 50 Kc, concessions available
Language
Czech is the official language but English and German are
also widely spoken.
Money
The official currency is the Czech crown, locally known as the
Koruna (CZK), which is divided into 100 haler. Most credit cards
including American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are
accepted, but it is best to have cash handy when travelling away
from Prague and the main tourist centres. Travellers cheques and
foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and
some hotels; commission is highest in hotels. Banks are closed on
weekends. ATMs (known as 'bankomats') are becoming more common in
Prague and are probably the best way to obtain local currency at a
good rate and without commission. The Czech Republic is still cheap
compared to the rest of Europe, though the gap is closing.
Opening Times
Town Hall tower open Monday 11am to 6pm; Tuesday to
Sunday 9am to 6pm, closing an hour earlier in winter
Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last
Sunday in October).